By Nigel Maxwell

Band members demand recount

Apr 22, 2011 | 7:18 AM

Band members belonging to the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation are demanding answers.

The recent election for chief and council was a very tight race.

Some of the councilors won by less than 10 votes – Chief Darrell McCallum won the election by a mere nine votes over runner-up Harold Linklater.

Linklater said when he put in his request for a re-count on Apr. 15, he was promised a recount.

“At the time Mr. Merasty had indicated there was going to be a recount and that the PBCN membership would be invited to attend and witness the proceedings. He went further on to say that if anything was found out about trouble voting and the like, people would get charged.”

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Linklater said he then received notice the following Wednesday that a recount would not take place.

“From that time on, everything changed. I don't know why. In my opinion, it was just a narrow interpretation of our election act,” he said.

Linklater said he has been told that band members are organizing protests.

“I've gotten a phone call and people wanted to start a protest of sorts. Not just in one community but multiple communities.”

Calls have been made to the Electoral Officer in charge. At this time, there has been no response.

A person at the band office said a recount will be held on Apr. 27, but only for several councilor positions.

nmaxwell@panow.com